Descript's Underlord Now Lets You Preview Audio Before Adding It.

Descript has added audio preview capabilities to Underlord, its AI-powered editing assistant. Users can now listen to suggested media files directly within the chat interface before deciding whether to add them to their projects.

The update addresses a straightforward workflow friction: until now, creators had to commit to audio suggestions without hearing them first. According to Descript's LinkedIn announcement, the new preview function lets users hit play on any suggested media before making a decision.

Underlord, which Descript introduced as an in-app AI assistant, helps users find stock audio, generate music, and surface relevant media assets through conversational prompts. The tool works alongside Descript's transcript-based editing interface, where users edit video by editing text.

When Underlord suggests audio files in response to a user's request, those suggestions now include a play button within the chat. Users can audition multiple options, compare results, and select the best fit without interrupting their editing flow or cluttering their timeline with test assets.

The feature mirrors workflows common in stock asset platforms, where previewing content before licensing is standard. By embedding this capability directly in the assistant chat, Descript keeps the creative process contained within a single interface.

The update arrives as Descript continues building out its AI tooling. The company recently added Workspaces for team project organization and launched Rooms, a built-in remote recording studio. According to their changelog, live captions in Rooms and an expanded transitions library with 16 options were added in April.

For podcast producers and video editors working under tight deadlines, the ability to audition AI-suggested audio without trial-and-error saves meaningful time. The feature is particularly useful when searching for background music or sound effects, where tonal fit matters as much as technical specs.

Descript's approach contrasts with tools that require users to generate or download assets before evaluating them. By keeping preview functionality inside the AI chat, the company reduces the cognitive load of managing external tabs or preview windows.

The update is available now to all Descript users with access to Underlord. No separate feature flag or opt-in is required.